ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Modification of DWCNTs with organic moieties

Dardan Hetemi, Fetah Podvorica, and Flamur Sopaj

Division of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo

E-mail: flamur.sopaj@uni-pr.edu

Received: 26 September 2025  Accepted: 1 June 2026

Abstract:

Double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were covalently functionalized through a diazonium-based radical pathway to improve surface reactivity and dispersion behavior. The approach relies on the in-situ generation of a sterically hindered aryl radicals from 2,6-dimethylaniline and isopentyl nitrate, followed by halogen abstraction from 6-bromohexanoic acid, to produce an alkyl radical able to bind to the nanotube surface under mild conditions. Post-functionalization with ferrocenemethanol and lactic acid was subsequently achieved, broadening the application potential of the modified DWCNTs. The method was designed to operate at low temperatures and without harsh reagents, allowing for stable functionalization while preserving nanotube structure. The modified surfaces were characterized by IR, XPS, TGA, TEM, and dispersion observation in aqueous medium, confirming the successful attachment of functional groups and enhanced material properties. This approach offers a practical route to introduce reactive organic moieties onto DWCNTs, thereby providing a useful platform for further application in nanocomposites, catalysis, and interfacial materials.

Keywords: Surface; Modification; Organics; Functionalization; Carbon; Nanotubes

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05150-4

Chemical Papers 80 (11) 12849–12856 (2026)